Need Help Fixing Your House? Who to Call for Repairs You Can’t Put Off

If you need help fixing your house, the right first call depends on what is broken and how urgent it is. A leaking roof needs a roofer, a burst pipe needs a plumber, and a problem with outlets or wiring needs a licensed electrician.

When several things are wrong at once, a general contractor can manage the whole job. This guide explains who to call for home repairs, what to fix first, how to find reliable home repair services near you, and what to do if you need a repair you can't afford right now.

Who to Call for Home Repairs

Matching the problem to the right trade saves time and money, because each one is licensed for different work.

Roof leaks, missing shingles or storm damage: a licensed roofing contractor.
Leaks, no water, clogged drains or sewer backups: a licensed plumber.
Sparking outlets, flickering lights or a tripping breaker: a licensed electrician.
Rot, sagging floors, damaged walls or several problems at once: a general contractor, who can bring in the other trades.
Small fixes such as a sticking door, a loose railing or a broken fixture: a handyman, where your state allows it.

If you aren't sure what's wrong, start with a general contractor. They can inspect the house, tell you which repairs are urgent, and point you to the right specialist.

Fix the Most Urgent Problem First

When you need help fixing your house and money or time is tight, deal with safety first and everything else after.

Gas smell: leave the house and call your gas company or 911 from outside.
Electrical danger: if outlets spark or smell of burning, turn off power at the breaker if it is safe to do so and call an electrician.
Active water leaks: shut off the main water valve and call a plumber. For a roof leak, ask a roofer to tarp the roof until it can be repaired.
Everything else: list the remaining problems in order of how much damage they could cause if left alone.

Take photos of any damage before work starts. You may need them for an insurance claim or a repair application.

How to Find Reliable Home Repair Services Near You

Ask people you trust for contractors they have used.
Check the license with your state or county, and ask for proof of insurance.
Read reviews on more than one site, and look for complaints with local consumer protection officials.
Get two or three written bids for the same work, so you can compare like with like.
Get a written contract before any work starts, with the contractor's name, address, phone number and license number, the work to be done, and the payment schedule.

I Need a New Roof but Can't Afford It

A major repair you can't pay for all at once is one of the most common reasons homeowners look for help. A few routes are worth checking:

Repair before you replace. Ask the roofer whether a targeted repair can stop the leak and buy time before a full replacement.
Check your homeowners insurance. Sudden damage from a storm or falling tree may be covered. Call your insurer before the repair if you can.
Ask about payment plans. Many roofing and repair companies let you pay over time. Get the terms in writing.
See if you qualify for Section 504 repair help. USDA Rural Development offers 1% repair loans, repaid over 20 years, to very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas. Homeowners 62 and older may also qualify for up to $10,000 over their lifetime to remove health and safety hazards, and the two can be combined for up to $50,000. Our guide to Section 504 repair options and contractor listings explains how it works with local contractors.

For roofs specifically, see our guide for homeowners who need a new roof but can't afford it.

Avoid Home Repair Scams

People who urgently need repairs are a common target. The Federal Trade Commission warns about contractors who knock on your door saying they are "in the area," and about anyone who wants the full amount up front or will only take cash.

Never pay the full amount before the work is done. Some states limit the up-front deposit; Tennessee, for example, caps it at one-third of the total.
Don't let a contractor arrange a loan for you; the FTC warns this can leave you with high fees and a contractor who has already been paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I call to fix my house?

Call the trade that matches the problem: a roofer for the roof, a plumber for water and drains, an electrician for wiring. If several things are wrong or you aren't sure, start with a licensed general contractor.

Who do I call to get my roof repaired?

A licensed roofing contractor. If water is coming in, ask for an emergency tarp first, then a written bid for the repair.

What if I need help fixing my house but can't afford it?

Fix safety problems first, ask contractors about payment plans, check whether insurance covers the damage, and see whether you qualify for USDA Section 504 repair help if you live in a rural area.

How do I know a contractor is legitimate?

Check their license with your state or county, ask for proof of insurance, read reviews, get a written contract, and never pay the full amount up front.

Final Thoughts

If you need help fixing your house, start with the most urgent safety problem, call the right licensed trade, and get everything in writing. Comparing two or three home repair services near you, and checking every route to pay for the work, is the surest way to get your home fixed without being taken advantage of.